Code of Practice for training and professional development activities provided through TPD Online

High quality training and professional development will adhere to the following principles: Activities will,

Meet identified individual, local or national development priorities

Be based on good practice – in development activity and in teaching and learning

Improve outcomes for children, young people, families and vulnerable adults

Respect diversity

Be provided by those with the necessary experience, expertise and skills

Be based, where appropriate, on relevant professional standards

Be based on current research and inspection evidence

Make effective use of resources, particularly including ICT

Be provided in accommodation which is fit for purpose

Provide value for money; and

Have effective monitoring and evaluation systems, including seeking out and acting on user feedback to inform the quality of provision.

This Code sets out the level of service that participants can expect from activities included on TPD Online. This Code is based on existing good practice and sets out standards for design, delivery, administration and evaluation of all continuing professional development activities.

Planning

Activities will strive to meet local and national priorities; and support the actions proposed in relevant workforce strategies and implementation plans.

General Provision

Activities advertised on TPD Online will:

Give a brief description of the event and set out the aims of the development activity and detail how individuals can expect to benefit from the activity

Indicate clearly the target audience

Give details of charges, including any additional costs which participants will be expected to meet in addition to the event fee and will not be varied once the event has been confirmed

Ensure that terms and conditions of booking are clear

Provide details of people delivering the activities

Provide details of venue, dates and times

Indicate if there is likely to be demand on participants' time other than for attendance and give estimates of how long this may be

Provide details of the assessment procedures to be used if the participants are to be assessed

Provide details of accreditation and progression routes if appropriate.

Delivery

Training providers will plan carefully in advance the delivery methods they intend to use, provide details of these if requested, and where appropriate, give reasons to ensure that participants are clear about what will be expected of them. The method of delivery should be appropriate to the subject of the development activity and will include an appropriate range of learning styles.

Delivery will meet the following criteria:

Professional development will only be delivered by those with the necessary experience, expertise and skills

Materials will be of the highest quality in terms of content and presentation

Training providers will give careful consideration to the question of differentiation in delivery, to take account of possible different needs of those participating

Training providers will always consider whether the introduction of ground rules is appropriate for any continuing professional development events - participants will be offered a safe environment in which to share views and explore ideas.

The venue will be well-prepared, organised, equipped and comfortable.
The contents of the development activity will be informed by recent, relevant research and / or inspection evidence.
Once an event has been planned and the programme agreed and issued, the event will closely follow this programme.
Once planned and publicised, it is expected that the event will run. Delegates will be notified within 10 working days if it becomes necessary to postpone an event, unless the reason is illness or other unpredictable emergency.
Training providers will be given clear standards for course administration, delivery and evaluation.

Assessment

Assessment procedures for participants on an event leading to some form of accreditation will be made clear in the event information.

Evaluation

Criteria for success will be established in the planning stage and will include a clear framework for considering the impact on participants' learning.
Participants will be given the opportunity to comment on the quality and impact of the activity in relation to its stated aims.

Equal Opportunities

All training and professional development courses make every effort to ensure equality of access and to meet the needs of the target audience. TPD Online is committed to promoting inclusive practice when working with children, young people, families and vulnerable adults.

Health and Safety

Richmond Council and Wandsworth Council ensure that all of the standards required under Health and Safety at Work legislation are met.